Date Picture Taken: 06/18/2013
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6-18-13 National Parks and Recreation Month
The National Recreation and Parks Association has declared July as National Parks & Recreation Month; and
Whereas, Lee County Parks and Recreation touches the lives of individuals, families, groups, and the entire community, positively impacting upon the social economic, and environmental quality of our county; and
Whereas, parks, greenways, and open space provide a welcome respite from our fast paced, high tech lifestyles while protecting and preserving our natural environment; and
Whereas, parks, playgrounds, nature trails, open spaces, community and cultural centers, and historic sites make a community attractive and desirable places to live, work, play and visit; and
Whereas, Lee County Parks and Recreation activities, and leisure experiences provide opportunities for young people to live, grow, and develop into contributing members of society; and
Whereas, Parks and Recreation agencies provide outlets for physical activities, socialization and stress reducing experiences.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County
Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim July 2013 as:
PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH
in Lee County and urges all citizens to visit the parks, especially on the weekend of July 27th and 28th when all parking fees will be waived at Lee County regional parks and boat ramps. There will also be free admission at the county pools.
| Date Picture Taken: 06/11/2013
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6-11-13 Girl Scouts Gold Award
2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and the 101st anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, for over 100 years, Girl Scouting is opened to every girl and has helped build millions of girls and women of courage, confidence, and character who act to make the world a better place; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouting's highest awards, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, exemplify girls making a lasting difference in their community and in the larger world; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scout Juniors in the 4th or 5th grade work together and explore their community needs, make a plan, and put the plan in motion to benefit others while striving for their Girl Scout Bronze Award;
WHEREAS, Girl Scout Cadettes in the 6th, 7th or 8th grade earning their Silver Award work together or solo to earn a Cadette Journey Award, and complete fifty hours of service to a project that improves their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Girl Scout Gold Award is open only to girls in high school and requires a seven-step project completed individually resulting in higher education and career choices, development of life skills and continued community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouting today is the premier leadership experience for girls in grades k-12. Through girl-led, volunteer delivered programming, girls discover their values and worth, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby applaud the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and our local council, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, for their years of leadership and expertise as the voice for and of girls, and proudly proclaims this Girl Scout Leadership Recognition Week.
| Date Picture Taken: 06/04/2013
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6-4-13 Tobacco Free Lee
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States, and nearly 90 percent of tobacco users begin this addictive habit before the age of 18 years; and
WHEREAS, tobacco manufacturers are banned, pursuant to the State of Florida’s 1998 Master Settlement, from directly or indirectly targeting youth in advertising, marketing, and the promotion of tobacco products aimed at initiating, maintaining or increasing the use of tobacco products by youth; and
WHEREAS, tobacco companies use colorful youth-oriented and stylish packaging, and exploit adolescents’ attraction to assorted flavors in retail outlets throughout Lee County; and
WHEREAS, national studies have found that the vast majority of people who use these flavored tobacco products are adolescents and young adults; and
WHEREAS, research by the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) and the Tobacco-Free Lee Coalition found that many of the retailers in Lee County sell flavored tobacco products of various kinds; and
WHEREAS, encourages local retailers to voluntarily restrict the sale and marketing of candy flavored tobacco thereby reducing the exposure to and the use of tobacco products by adolescents and young adults.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, commends the Tobacco-Free Lee Coalition and the many members of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), which consist of Lee County high school and middle school students dedicated to the cause of tobacco use prevention.
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6-4-13 Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Lee County seniors are valued members of society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they live safe lives; and
WHEREAS, abuse of older people is a tragedy inflicted against vulnerable seniors, and is an ever-increasing problem that crosses all socio-economic boundaries in today’s society; and
WHEREAS, combating abuse of older people will help improve the quality of life for all seniors across this state and will allow seniors to continue to live as independently as possible, adding to their lives and vibrancy; and
WHEREAS, seniors should be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and important and active members of society; and
WHEREAS, we are all responsible for building safer communities for Florida’s seniors;
WHEREAS, the welfare of seniors is in the best interest of all citizens and further adds to the well-being of our communities;
WHEREAS, LEAPP, Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership is a coalition among Lee County human service providers and agencies to create community partnerships that effectively promote the awareness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation and provide services, advocacy and support for older adults;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Lee County Board of County Commissioners do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing June 15, 2013 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
| Date Picture Taken: 05/21/2013
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5-21-13 500th Anniversary of La Florida
2013 marks a significant historical milestone for the state of Florida as it commemorates the 500th Anniversary of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León’s landing on the coast of Florida, the first European explorer documented to set foot on the continental United States; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida’s east coast on April 2, 1513 and bestowed the name La Florida on this lush new land in honor of the Spanish Feast of Flowers celebrating Easter season; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León’s expedition entered the Calusa Indian domain on May 23, 1513, spending more than three weeks in the area and documenting stababa, the Calusa capital town at Mound Key; and
Whereas, ancestors of the Calusa Indians inhabited coastal southwest Florida for several thousands of years and contributed to the more than 12,000 year history of American Indians in Florida; and
Whereas, Juan Ponce de León’s voyage of discovery began a new era in which native peoples, Europeans and other nationalities under many different flags formed the foundation that created the state of Florida; and
Whereas, a countless number of different cultures have contributed to Florida’s heritage and continue to live, work and thrive together today; and
Whereas, the Florida Department of State designated 2013 as Viva Florida 500 to commemorate our cultural legacy and reflect on the achievements of all who have contributed to Florida’s dynamic growth, rich diversity and economic prosperity; and
Whereas, to commemorate this milestone, we invite Lee County citizens and visitors to participate in the many enriching programs and events planned in honor of Viva Florida 500 throughout 2013.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby designate 2013 as the 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF LA FLORIDA.
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5-21-13 Emergency Medical Services Week
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a vital public service; and
Whereas, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
Whereas, EMS plays a critical role in public outreach and injury prevention, and is evolving in its role as an important member of the healthcare community; and
Whereas, first responders, emergency medical technicians and paramedics stand ready to provide compassionate, lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
Whereas, emergency medical responders are supported by emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, educators, administrators, researchers, emergency nurses, emergency physicians and others; and
Whereas, the members of EMS teams, both career and volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and
Whereas, it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of EMS practitioners by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim the week of May 19-25, 2013, as:
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
with the theme “EMS: One Mission. One Team”. We encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
| Date Picture Taken: 05/14/2013
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5-14-13 Together We Mean Community
The purpose of the nomination-based Together We Mean Community program is to recognize those employees who have gone above and beyond their assigned duties to make an outstanding contribution to the Lee County community; and
Whereas, the employee selected as the Together We Mean Community award recipient for 1st Quarter is Fred Given, a Para-transit Bus Driver who has been employed with Lee Tran since January of 2005; and
Whereas, as detailed on the submitted nomination, on Wednesday, October 24th, Fred attempted to pick up one of his regular, Cape Coral customers, and found it unusual when this always punctual rider was not ready; and
Whereas, with growing concern, upon picking up his next passenger, Fred decided to return to the first customer’s house to check on her. Arriving at a dark house, one of Fred’s current riders, a friend of the absent customer, found her lying on the bathroom floor; and
Whereas, already dialing 911, Fred stayed with her until the ambulance arrived and ensured that all doors to her home were secured before continuing with his route; and
Whereas, this single act of compassion clearly represents Fred’s outstanding commitment to provide exemplary service to the citizens and visitors of Lee County on a daily basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize and praise Fred Given, and congratulates him as the selected employee for the Together We Mean Community program for 1st Quarter, 2012/2013.
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5-14-13 Small Business Week
Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America; and
Whereas, Florida Gulf Coast University - Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recognizes May 20th through May 24th as Small Business Week and celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and small business owners through-out Southwest Florida; and
Whereas, the SBDC recruits volunteers who are leaders in the business community to share their real-world experiences with small business owners of the Lee County; and
Whereas, the SBDC provides free one-on-one confidential consulting, training and support that promotes a healthy business environment and provides the necessary tools for entrepreneurs to succeed in a global workforce; and
Whereas, the Board recognizes the need for on-going awareness in the business community and commends the outstanding contributions that the SBDC has given entrepreneurs and small business owners here and all across the United States to succeed and grow in an ever expanding global economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim the week of May 20th through May 24th as Small Business Week in Lee County.
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5-14-13 Salvation Army Week
A love for God and a desire to help others is the motivation behind the men and women of The Salvation Army; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army in Lee County, Florida, provides much more than spiritual counseling and basic human necessities to the needy and hurting on a daily basis; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army serves as a symbol of compassion, but more so an active participant in the provision of services to thousands of Lee County men, women and children; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army has been providing these programs to residents for 62 years; and
Whereas, The Salvation Army provides its services to people in need without regard to race, color, creed, sex or age.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby proclaim May 13-19, 2013, as:
THE SALVATION ARMY WEEK
in Lee County and urges all our citizens to join us in honoring the dedicated men and women who work or volunteer for this fine organization and touch the lives of so many.
| Date Picture Taken: 05/07/2013
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5-7-13 International Compost Awareness Week
The Composting Council of the United States has declared the first week of May to be the annual International Composting Awareness Week; and
Whereas, composting is an effective form of waste reduction, reuse and recycling and is one of the methods used to meet the State of Florida’s goal of 75% recycling by 2020 since organic materials represent over 25% of material that require disposal each year; and
Whereas, materials such as yard trimmings, grass clippings, vegetable cuttings, biosolids, manure, and shaving can be processed and converted into a beneficial product known as compost; and
Whereas, compost improves soil structure, reduces erosion, supplies soil with a variety of macro and micro nutrients, decreases the dependence on chemical fertilizers, and reduces water consumption when used as an amendment to soils; and
Whereas, this year’s national theme, “Compost: Nature’s Way to Grow”, is a great way to promote the message of compost and its many benefits to the soils in Lee County; and
Whereas, the Lee County Composting Facility has been successfully composting organic material and providing for sustainable agricultural, landscaping, and gardening practices through the production of OrganicLee® Compost.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby recognize the efforts of the US Composting Council, Southwest Florida Extension Agents, households, landscapers, farmers, recyclers, public workers, composters, gardeners, and plant growers and proclaim the week of May 6th – May 12th, 2013, as:
INTERNATIONAL COMPOST AWARENESS WEEK
and encourages our citizens to use compost to amend their soils because compost IS nature’s way to grow.
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5-7-13 Bike Month
Many Lee County residents own bicycles and surveys indicate that the majority of Southwest Florida drivers ride a bicycle at least once a year and over one-third ride a bicycle at least once a month; and
Whereas, a bicycle is recognized as a vehicle and is a viable means of transportation for many types of trips and destinations; and
Whereas, national health organizations, environmental agencies, and physical fitness activists believe increased bicycling to be of national interest for health purposes; and
Whereas, an increase in the use of bicycles in place of motor vehicle use will correspondingly decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Lee County; and
Whereas, Lee County has an interest in encouraging the use of bicycles, increasing education and awareness of bicycle safety; and
Whereas, since 1998, Lee County has invested millions of dollars to construct approximately 450 miles of bicycle facilities as part of roadway improvements and retrofitting of existing roadways; and
Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Complete Streets Resolution on November 10, 2009; and
Whereas, the month of May is being promoted by the League of American Bicyclists as National Bike Month, with Wednesday, May 8, 2013 as Bike-to-School Day, and the week of May 13-17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Week, and Friday,
May 17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, does hereby declare May 2013 to be Bike Month, with Wednesday, May 8, 2013 as Bike-to-School Day, and the week of May 13-17 as Bike-to-Work Week, and with Friday, May 17, 2013 as Bike-to-Work Day in Lee County.
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5-7-13 National Public Gardens Day
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is celebrating National Public Gardens Day to raise public awareness about the importance of public gardens on May 10, 2013; and
Whereas, the Foundation’s mission is to support Lee County Parks and Recreation through philanthropic and voluntary efforts promoting ongoing community awareness and support of the recreational and educational value of Lakes Park and its continuing evolution, to include a botanic garden and other enhancements, resulting in an even more attractive natural environment for the community to enjoy; and
Whereas, the Foundation’s vision for the Botanic Garden at Lake Park is a park that is highly regarded and enjoyed by the community for its beautiful native Florida environment, its programs and services, and its cultural events and contributions, all of which add to the quality of life of all Lee County residents and visitors; and
Whereas, public gardens play a very significant role in sustainable community development.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida, and on behalf of the citizens of our community, takes great pride in recognizing
May 10, 2013 as:
NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS DAY
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5-7-13 Letter Carriers National Food Drive Day
The letter carriers are conducting their annual food drive on May 11th, 2013; and
Whereas, on that day, mail carriers are requesting that citizens leave non-perishable food by their mailbox; and
Whereas, the food will be collected, and in our community it will be distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida; and
Whereas, the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida will distribute the food to over 150 agencies that feed people in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does hereby proclaim May 11, 2013 as:
LETTER CARRIERS NATIONAL FOOD DRIVE DAY
in Lee County and urges our citizens to participate in this worthy cause.
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